Three National Testing Agency (NTA) subject experts, P V Kulkarni for chemistry, Manisha Sanjay Havaldar for physics and Manisha Gurunath Mandhare for botany and zoology, were the primary sources of the NEET paper leak, according to the Central Bureau of Investigation's chargesheet.
The three National Testing Agency (NTA) subject experts breached an "obligation of secrecy" and circulated the question papers of the NEET UG exam, said the the chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation before a Delhi court.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has clarified its 'answer key challenge' system, stating it is designed for fairness and that the fee charged is to deter frivolous challenges, with refunds issued for successful objections. This comes amidst recent criticism regarding exam conduct.
Student organisations across India are protesting the National Testing Agency's (NTA) decision to re-conduct the UGC-NET examinations for three subjects, citing repeated lapses that jeopardise students' academic and career plans. They are demanding the NTA be scrapped or held accountable for its failures.
The CBI has filed a charge sheet in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, relying heavily on digital forensic evidence including an access control app and call data records. The investigation revealed that three NTA subject experts allegedly exploited procedural gaps to leak confidential questions for money, involving a beautician and a coaching centre owner in the distribution of the leaked material to aspirants.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has terminated 47 officials and plans legal action following the NEET paper leak controversy. This comes amidst widespread protests and demands for the Education Minister's resignation, as the NTA initiates a major overhaul and recruitment drive to strengthen its operations.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged that the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak was orchestrated through an extensive digital network, with confidential question papers circulated via WhatsApp, Telegram, and electronic files among conspirators days before the examination.
A Delhi court has remanded the alleged kingpin of the NEET paper leak case, Prahlad Kulkarni, and another accused, Manisha Waghmare, to CBI custody for 10 days. This follows the arrest of a biology lecturer from the NTA's paper-setting committee. The CBI seeks to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.
Education sector experts agree that using the "best technology" was essential to ensure students did not have to sit for an examination all over again because of a question paper leak.
The NEET-UG re-exam was generally tougher than the previous one, with Physics identified as the most challenging and time-consuming section by both students and experts. While Biology was considered easier, Chemistry was moderate. Experts noted conceptual and lengthy questions in Physics and Chemistry, potentially leading to a lower cut-off.
The CBI claims to have cracked the NEET paper leak case with the arrest of a Pune-based professor, identified as the source of the leak. The professor allegedly exploited his position to leak the paper to students in exchange for money.
The top court took note of the submissions of some aspirants that a question related to an "atom" and its characteristics had two correct answers and a set of examinees, who gave one particular answer out of the two correct ones, were awarded four marks.
The NTA had treated the two options as correct answers to the Physics question and had granted four marks to those examinees who had marked these options.
rediffGURU Nayagam PP, career counsellor and the founder of EduJob360, counsels students and aspiring professionals about how they can make the right career decision.
Instead of repeating the same study patterns, focus on creating a more efficient schedule that prioritises building a strong foundation in maths, physics and chemistry, advises Rohit Gupta, COO, College Vidya.
The CBI did not find any large-scale conspiracy in the episode and would limit the charge sheet to offences of attempt to cheat or cheating, they said.
Anurag Tiwari, national academic director, medical, Aakash+BYJU'S, answers queries from students who will appear for the exam the first time this year.
The students can appear both the times in NEET and the best of the two scores would be taken in account for admission, the minister said. NEET is conducted for admissions to medical institutions across the country.
The first attempt of JEE Main 2019 will be conducted from January 6 to 20, 2019.
